Work Sick Leave Certificate
If your employer needs formal absence documentation, our registered UK GPs can review your case online and issue a signed sick note or fit note without the wait.
Every sick note is issued following individual clinical review by a licensed UK doctor, making it a legitimate medical document suitable for employer and HR submission.
✔ Signed by a registered UK GP following clinical assessment
✔ Accepted by employers and HR departments across the UK
✔ Most requests reviewed same day, from £39
LET'S GET STARTED 
Receive a full refund if we can’t provide a certificate
How It Works
Complete a short online questionnaire
No appointment required — complete a short medical questionnaire and upload any supporting evidence.
Doctor reviews your evidence
A GMC-registered doctor reviews your submission. If a certificate cannot be issued, you’ll receive a full refund.
Receive your certificate
Your certificate arrives same day or by 9am next day — delivered as a signed PDF direct to your inbox.
Clinical Criteria & Fit Note Review Process
Sick notes are issued only when a clinician is satisfied there is a valid medical basis. Here is what we consider — and when documentation may not be appropriate.
When a Fit Note May Be Appropriate
A fit note is medical confirmation that a health condition is affecting your ability to work. Where appropriate, it may also confirm you may be fit for work with adjustments. Many employers accept a period of self-certification before a fit note is required — see NHS guidance on fit notes and self-certification.
Acute Illness
Symptoms that materially impact work capacity, such as fever or significant infection.
Injury or Musculoskeletal Pain
Conditions restricting movement, lifting, driving, or prolonged standing or sitting.
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Symptoms affecting concentration, coping, or functional performance at work.
Post-Treatment Recovery
Recovery following surgery or medical treatment where rest or restricted duties are clinically appropriate.
When a Fit Note May Not Be Issued
To maintain professional standards, a fit note cannot be issued where:
- There is no clear medical basis affecting work capability.
- The request is primarily for convenience or workplace conflict without a linked health condition.
- There is insufficient clinical information to support a medical opinion.
- The duration requested is not clinically consistent with the information provided.
How the Review Works
Assessment Review
We review your symptoms, relevant history, and how your condition affects your specific job tasks.
Clinical Judgement
A GMC-registered clinician evaluates whether a fit note is medically appropriate and, if so, for what timeframe.
Issuance — If Appropriate
A signed document is issued reflecting the medical opinion at the time of assessment, where clinically justified.
Clinical Accountability
All sick note requests are reviewed by a GMC-registered doctor. Fit notes are issued only when medically appropriate and supported by clinical reasoning.
Please note: A fit note is clinical evidence. Employers may have their own absence policies and may request additional information in line with HR procedures. The fit note reflects the assessment at the time of review and does not guarantee any specific workplace outcome.
How it Works
01
Complete a short online questionnaire
No appointment required – simply complete a short medical questionnaire and upload a 30 second video of your symptoms and any other medical evidence.
02
Doctor Reviews Evidence
One of our FCDO and GMC registered GPs will review and validate the submitted medical evidence. They'll start preparing your certificate - or in the rare instance we aren't able to issue one, you'll get a full refund.
03
Receive your certificate
Receive your medical certificate or sick note as soon as same day or by 9 a.m. next-day, straight to your inbox. You'll receive a PDF of your doctor's note that you can instantly share as needed.
LET'S GET STARTED
What will you receive?
You will obtain a verifiable digital PDF certificate bearing the signature of a registered medical doctor, sent directly to your mobile device. This document will include the following information:
✓ Your name, date of birth, and address.
✓ Details of your sickness or medical condition, including the onset of symptoms and current status (ongoing or recovered).
✓ Up to 14 days of sick leave at a time.
✓ Signed and authorised by one of our General Medical Council (GMC) registered UK GPs.
✓ Contact information for Medical Cert for verification purposes.
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Asked Questions
How do I get an urgent medical letter or certificate?
It’s quick and easy! Simply complete the brief online questionnaire and complete the payment. After purchasing your medical letter online, a doctor will review the medical evidence the same day and we will provide you with your unique medical certificate for you to present to your work place or institution. There is no need to have a telemedicine or online consultation to receive a medical letter. Our Doctors may call or email you directly if they have any additional questions.
Can I get a sick note or medical letter without seeing a doctor?
All medical letters including sick notes must be signed and certified by a doctor, but you do not always need to see a GP to get one. Our revolutionary service allows you to be assessed by one of our GPs without needing an appointment, simply by uploading your concerns and evidence through our forms. One of our GPs will then consider your medical history, current symptoms, and any potential risks associated with your condition and work or study environment before issuing your medical certificate. You will then receive the letter directly to your inbox.
What medical evidence will you require?
We will require you to upload:
✓ A photo / copy of your Passport or driver’s licence to confirm your identity
✓ Complete a short medical questionnaire
✓ Upload a short video or photographs via your mobile confirming your symptoms and reason for a medical letter
Do you provide refunds?
We always provide full refunds if we are unable to provide a Medical Letter in your situation, so you can submit your requests with peace of mind. Once a medical certificate or sick note has been issued we are unable to offer refunds.
How soon will I receive my medical letter or certificate?
Our team of GPs will review your medical evidence and questionnaire on the same day and provide you with your medical letter or certificate within 1 working day. We also offer a guaranteed by 9 a.m. service for medical letters for evidence that has been uploaded by 11 p.m. (UTC/GMT) Sunday - Thursday. With our express overnight service you will receive your medical letter or certificate in your inbox overnight by 9 a.m. the next day. For example, an application submitted at 11 p.m. on a Thursday night will be assessed and delivered by 9 a.m. on Friday morning.
Who will sign my Medical Letters and medical certificates?
All of the doctors at Medical Cert are fully licensed GMC-registered GPs, unlike many other services who use very junior non-specialist doctors, which may sometimes cause their letters to be rejected. You can submit any letters you receive from Medical Cert with full confidence, knowing that an experienced GP has signed your document. We are a UK based healthcare service but the certificates can be used internationally. All of our Doctors are registered GPs with the UK General Medical Council.
Can a sick leave letter be backdated?
Yes, we are able to backdate letters provided you are able to submit some evidence to indicate when you became unwell. Our sick notes are valid for up to 14 days at a time, but can be extended if you remain unwell.
Can you complete a specific form required by my institution or workplace?
Yes, in most cases we can help with special forms required by some institutions. Simply upload the required form with your medical evidence.
Can your doctor’s letters be verified by my workplace or institution?
Absolutely. Each letter or certificate issued will have a unique reference number and QR code which can be scanned to verify the certificate. Certificates can also be verified free of charge by emailing us at verify@medicalcert.co.uk.
Can you issue an NHS “Statement of Fitness for Work” also known as “Fit Notes”?
We facilitate access to private medical letters and do not issue Med3 Fit Notes. Med3 Fit Notes are required for UK government benefit applications and can be obtained through your registered NHS GP. If you require a private medical letter for most other purposes, we are here to assist you in obtaining a doctor’s letter conveniently and quickly.
Sick Notes & Sick Leave: What You Need to Know
A clear guide to sick leave rules, fit notes, and how to obtain a private sick note from a GMC-registered UK GP — subject to clinical review.
- Sick notes issued by GMC-registered UK GPs only
- No appointment needed — apply online at any time
- Each case reviewed individually — not auto-generated
- Private sick notes accepted by employers across the UK
- Extensions available if you need more recovery time
Sick Leave and Sick Notes Explained
Understanding your rights as an employee starts with knowing when a sick note is — and isn’t — required.
7 Days or Less
Employees can self-certify their absence. No sick note from a GP is required. Your employer may provide a self-certification form to complete on your return.
More Than 7 Days
A fit note (also called a sick note or Med3) is required. This must be issued by a qualified healthcare professional such as a GMC-registered GP.
Counting Sick Days
Days are counted from your first day off, including weekends and bank holidays. Seven consecutive calendar days — not just working days — triggers the fit note requirement.
Are Private Sick Notes Valid?
Both NHS and private sick notes confirm an employee’s fitness for work. Employers treat them with equal weight.
NHS Fit Notes (Med3)
Issued free of charge by NHS GPs or hospital doctors after an in-person or remote consultation. Waits for appointments can be several weeks.
Private Sick Notes
Issued by qualified private GPs following an asynchronous clinical review. A fee applies. Widely accepted by UK employers. Medical Cert notes are signed exclusively by GMC-registered GPs.
Cost & Accessibility
Private sick note charges typically range from £60–£200 across providers. Medical Cert offers competitive pricing from £47, where clinically appropriate.
A sick note from Medical Cert is a private medical certificate issued under UK clinical standards. It is not an NHS Med3 form, though it serves the same informational purpose for employers. For information on sick leave rights and self-certification, the GOV.UK website is the authoritative source.
How to Get a Sick Note Online
A straightforward three-step process — complete entirely from home, subject to clinical review.
Complete the Health Consultation Form
Fill in the short online form detailing your illness or condition — at your own pace, any time of day. Upload supporting evidence where available: photos, prescriptions, or hospital discharge summaries.
Clinical Review by a GMC-Registered GP
A qualified UK GP reviews your submission individually. Each case is assessed on clinical merit. A sick note will be issued where clinically appropriate; the service may be declined if eligibility criteria are not met.
Receive Your Sick Note
If approved, your digital sick note is issued and delivered to you. You can then share it with your employer. If you need a work adjustments certificate to support a phased return, Medical Cert can assist with this too.
Clinical Review & Eligibility
Medical Cert operates under UK clinical standards. Every sick note request is reviewed by a GMC-registered GP who exercises independent clinical judgement. The following standards apply to all requests:
- All notes reviewed by GMC-registered UK GPs — never auto-generated
- Clinical judgement applied to every case individually
- Requests may be declined if not clinically appropriate
- Maximum validity of 14 days per note; duration at the GP’s discretion
- Patient information handled confidentially in line with UK data standards
- Service available to patients in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
Limitations & When In-Person Care Is Required
This is a remote, asynchronous service. It is not suitable in all circumstances. Please read the following carefully:
- Emergency or urgent symptoms — call 999 or attend A&E immediately. Do not use this service.
- Mental health crises — contact your NHS GP, call 111, or visit NHS mental health services.
- Complex or ongoing conditions requiring physical examination are better managed by your registered NHS GP.
- Benefits agency or DWP claims — a private sick note may not be accepted. Check requirements with the relevant authority.
- Outside the UK — this service operates under UK clinical jurisdiction only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a sick note for the first 7 days off work?
No. For absences of seven days or fewer, employees can self-certify their sickness using a self-certification form — no GP involvement is required. Employers should not request medical evidence for these shorter absences. The seven-day count includes weekends and bank holidays.
For guidance on self-certification, visit GOV.UK sick leave.
Can I get a sick note online without seeing a doctor in person?
Yes, where clinically appropriate. Medical Cert uses an asynchronous consultation model: you submit details of your condition and any supporting evidence online, and a GMC-registered GP reviews your case. If your request meets clinical criteria, a sick note is issued digitally — no appointment needed.
How long is a Medical Cert sick note valid for?
Medical Cert fit notes have a maximum validity of 14 days. The precise duration is at the issuing GP’s clinical discretion, based on the nature and severity of your condition. You may request a specific period; the doctor will consider this alongside the medical appropriateness of the requested duration.
Can I extend my sick note if I haven’t recovered?
Yes. If you have not sufficiently recovered when your current note expires, you can submit a further consultation request to Medical Cert. A new note will be issued where clinically appropriate, subject to a fresh GP review. It is advisable to submit your extension request before your current note expires to avoid a gap in documentation.
Are private sick notes the same as NHS Med3 fit notes?
Private sick notes and NHS Med3 fit notes serve the same purpose for employers — confirming an employee’s fitness for work. Both are issued by qualified healthcare professionals. The key differences are the source (private vs NHS), cost, and processing time. Most UK employers accept private sick notes. However, for DWP or benefits claims, check which format is required, as requirements vary.
Can my employer request a sick note for absences of less than 7 days?
Employers are encouraged not to request medical evidence for absences of seven days or fewer. For this period, self-certification is the standard process. Some employers may have their own policies that differ; review your employment contract or speak with HR for clarification. For authoritative guidance, see GOV.UK on sick leave.
This page was produced by Medical Cert, a UK online medical certificate platform operating under Nobel Medical (Knobel Health Limited), with clinical oversight by Dr Maria Knöbel, GMC-registered Medical Director. Medical Cert provides private sick notes and fit notes issued by GMC-registered GPs in the United Kingdom. Key topics covered: sick leave rules UK, fit note requirements, sick note for work, online sick note without appointment, private sick note vs NHS Med3, self-certification for 7 days or less, sick note extension, how to count sick days, work adjustments certificate. All notes are subject to individual clinical review and may be declined if not clinically appropriate. This service operates under UK jurisdiction only and is not suitable for emergency, mental health crisis, or DWP/benefits applications without verification of accepted documentation formats.
Clinically Reviewed By
Dr Maria Knobel
Medical Director, Knobel Health Limited
GMC Registration
► 7495073 – View on GMC register